SFSU/UCSF M.S. Bridges to the Doctorate Program: cloud-based learning modules supplement

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The goal of the Bridges to the Doctorate Research Training Program at San Francisco State University (SFSU) (“Bridge Program”) is to develop a diverse pool of scientists earning a Ph.D., who have the skills to successfully transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce. SFSU and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have developed a cooperative graduate program to increase the number of under-represented (UR) students that pursue biomedical research careers. This Program will provide UR students (primarily Biology and Biochemistry) with a quality and focused master's degree education at SFSU that prepares them to be competitive for acceptance into top-ranked biomedical science doctoral programs such as UCSF. The objectives are to: 1) engage all Bridge trainees in research activities, 2) provide the scientific literacy to ensure the successful completion of M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in a timely manner, and 3) ensure the transition of Bridge trainees to Ph.D. programs. These objectives will be successfully met through the combination of (i) close and careful academic and research advising by peers, preceptors, course instructors and PDs, (ii) a nurturing and productive research experience with Bridge preceptors, (iii) registration in two courses (“Strategies for Success” and “Science Coding Immersion Program (SCIP)”) that provide professional development to improve quantitative, writing, and oral communication skills while building community, and (iv) role modeling from established UR scientists in our formal Speaker Series. The M.S. program is divided into 4 semesters, with a unique “Strategies for Success” each semester, and the “SCIP” course in the summer between 1st and 2nd year. The “Strategies” course develops writing and oral communication skills through development of the IDP, statement of purpose, abstract writing, presentations and mock interviews. Ph.D. preparation includes informational sessions on Ph.D. programs, and PhD/career panels led by SFSU alumni. These courses also cover RCR and rigor and reproducibility, over 2 semesters. SCIP develops community through coding lessons, with biologically-relevant data sets. Over the last 15 years, 175 previously funded M.S. students have completed Ph.D. programs, with another 75 pending (anticipated completion dates between 2021-2025). Over the last 5 years alone, an average of 22.4 students have entered Ph.D. programs yearly, with an average of 3.6 entering UCSF Ph.D. programs (2, 2, 4, 3 and 7 entering from 2016-2020). This proposal therefore requests funding for 32 MS students (16 first year and 16 second year), to maintain the strong success of the combined NIH Bridge and RISE programs previously in existence at SFSU.